New trial bus service linking villages in South Staffordshire set to launch this month

The route 17 service will operate from Monday to Friday between Wheaton Aston, Bishops Wood, Codsall Wood, Codsall and Wolverhampton Lichfield Street. 

Starting on Monday, January 19, it will provide easier access to shopping, leisure facilities and other services and run for a 12-week period before it is reviewed, including the school Easter holidays.

Local county councillor Chris Large has worked with the transport team to get the service off the ground and said he had heard positive feedback from local residents.

He said: "People living in the villages have told me this service will be a real asset and so I’m really pleased that there will be four buses every weekday from Bishops Wood to Wolverhampton and operating in the opposite direction.

"This means people without a car can access shops and other services easily, and it also provides more choice for those who want to leave the car at home. 

"It’s important now that people use the service over the next 12 weeks before it is reviewed. It’s great that our transport team has responded to community needs.”

Andrew Mynors, Staffordshire Council’s cabinet member for connectivity, said: "Ensuring we have connected communities that can access the services they need on a day-today basis is a priority to us. 

“Being able to get out to visit shops and leisure facilities also provides social benefit too. 

"We’d now urge residents of the villages on the trial bus route to make as much use of the service as possible.”